Spring Oaks board approves purchase of 1707 Westwood Avenue to secure school access, enable workforce housing plan

The Spring Oaks School Board voted Sept. 3 to purchase the property at 1707 Westwood Avenue to secure road and utility access for Westwood Elementary and to preserve an option for future district workforce housing.

Board members approved the purchase during a special meeting called because the property’s seller had set an imminent closing date. The board recorded a voice vote in favor after a motion was made by Mrs. Cook and seconded by Mr. Ramos; no opposition was recorded.

District staff told the board the parcel would allow a north-side connection that shortens utility runs for the school’s cafeteria and plumbing, and could reduce construction costs compared with routing services to McGray. A staff presenter said the connection would “help us out with the cost of Westwood with utilities, with sewer and electric.”

Presenters also described a separate, optional workforce-housing plan tied to the parcel. The housing concept would be purpose-built rental units for district employees — including teachers, bus drivers and classified staff — with an initial proposed mix of studio through three-bedroom units. The district’s planning materials show an example buildout of 62 units; presenters said that number reflects a revised unit mix and site layout rather than a guaranteed final total.

The presenters said occupancy would be limited to district employees who would be required to remain for at least one year. “It would always be ours,” a presenter said when asked what happens to the housing when the development is finished.

Financing options discussed included gap funding from nonprofit partners. Presenters said Accelerate has approved a $2.5 million low-interest loan component, and the Walton Family Foundation is considering a roughly $5 million contribution; the Walton Family Foundation’s board was scheduled to meet later this month. Staff described the Walton contribution as structured with very small payback terms on the initial investment and characterized Accelerate’s commitment as a loan at a below-market rate. Accelerate’s portion, staff said, is already approved; Walton Family Foundation’s decision was pending.

District staff told the board the parcel would also support future utility easements, additional parking and a drive that would enable a potential teacher-housing project and improved site circulation for Westwood Elementary. If the housing project proceeds, staff said gap funding would subsidize rents to meet HUD-based fair-market targets intended to keep rents below the local market for eligible employees.

Board members and staff discussed neighborhood outreach and traffic considerations. Staff said the city has been supportive of creating a second access point to the neighborhood and noted the Greenway expansion could be routed through or adjacent to the property. A board member asked about insurance; staff said the district would obtain secondary insurance for district-owned housing, similar to coverage on other houses the district owns.

The board voted to fund the purchase from district building funds. Staff said further cost estimates for the school-side savings will be developed in follow-up meetings with contractors and consultants; no final construction contract or detailed budget for the housing project was approved at the meeting.

The special meeting ended after the motion passed. The Walton Family Foundation decision and subsequent contractor cost comparisons were listed by staff as near-term next steps.